I Thessalonians II
For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. (I Thessalonians 1:4,5 ESV)
Pre-Assembled
I would like to own a hurdy-gurdy. It is an unusual instrument that could be seen as a bagpipe for strings. A couple of drones, and a couple of melody strings.
Hurdy-gurdies are rare… and those who own them have gotten them in one of two ways. Most people purchase a kit, and do the difficult but rewarding job of putting their hurdy-gurdy together in just the way they desire.
But more and more, players are purchasing pre-made hurdy-gurdies.
It arrives at their door already put together, and ready to make (somewhat) beautiful music.
Many Christians attempt to put together our own faith and relationship with God.
We work hard at it, are encouraged by some gains, and struggle through many shortcomings.
But making our faith on our own like that does NOT work.
It comes from God. And it comes pre-assembled!
We cannot, in fact, make it ourselves at all.
But we arrive in God’s family completely by God’s work, through Jesus’ life, death, and life again. He provides the necessary changes, the power, the connection, and the foundation.
It is all Him.
And that makes beautiful music, indeed.